Mile High Mountaineering Salute 34

This daypack has many features that give you the versatility to store your gear in many configurations for your next adventure.

If this is your first pack I would think hard about buying it. I feel this pack is not for everyone. I like to bushwhack and follow animal trails, which sometimes have limited space areas. This pack has very strong material, but at the cost of weight, but I don’t have the fear of knocking shoulder strap off.

This pack gives me the ability to care want is needed on my adventures in day hiking without the worry of the pack falling apart, my gear stays in place.  I have quick access to any part of the pack with the snake zipper.

These are the things I am looking for in the following order, Convenience, Comfort, and Weight (CCW). I am not an ultralight person, so if you looking for this kind of pack you can stop reading.

The first is Convenience; the S type zipper gives me access to the entire pack in a few seconds, 90 percent of the time this is great, but in windy conditions you may want to rethink, because lighter items may blow away.  Located inside are 2 zipper pockets which are waterproof, also you’ll find a pouch for your water bladder; I use this for my food mostly. The unit closes very easy, the stated size of the pack is 34 liters, if you fill it up all the way, the S zipper will cause problems to open and close, using side straps will help to open and close but be aware.

The second is Comfort; it took me about 10 carries to get the straps to dial in to my body, but after this I could go 10 or more miles with out adjustment with the same layers I was wearing. The back arch and the way the hip belt moves helps tremendously. If you don’t like the movement of the hip belt you can adjust from both sides that will stop the movement. I have more than 50 carries on this pack. 

The third is Weight; no matter what anyone says, less weight is better. I found out if the suspension system is design well, it will transfer the weight to your hips and in the long treks will be much more enjoyable with out pain. The pack does a great job and has me thinking how important it’s to have proper support, yes it weighs a lot more than other packs, but I have more control of weight which I feel is a better trade off from my hips to my shoulders.  

The side pockets are great. I keep a 40 oz Klean Kanteen with no problems. I do remove the bottle after hikes to prevent long term damage to the pockets, but I don't think it will damage the pockets.

The top outside pocket has food, sunglasses and reading glasses with extra gear, you could put larger camera inside with no problems, also feels like felt inside pocket.

I did contact MHM about the pack. They responded very fast and referred me to a video about pack. The video gave me information but sometimes I need things in writing. I guess that makes me old. There are a few things to note, the side straps are hidden in the outside pocket with ice axe or trekking pole loops, the loops can be adjusted for size. The outside pocket has room for rain gear or whatever you want.

This pack meets and exceeds all my needs. This may be overkill in the amount of pockets and access it has, but what a joy to have it on the trail. My way of telling that this works for me is I don't need to adjust every few miles and it just becomes part of me. I don't have to worry about failures.

One of the very best packs I've used. Carries and distributes loads well, and is made with durable materials. I can use this pack for day hikes to overnight stays. I tend to pack pretty lightweight as far as my tent and other gear is concerned so this backpack is perfect for my needs.

Highly recommended for just about anyone looking for a well thought out, useful pack.

Fit - I am a little over 5'10" with a waist between 33" and 34". I have a medium length torso and the pack fits very well. Easy to adjust and don't have to fiddle with it constantly. I imagine it would fit decently for a person with a smaller torso or larger torso. I am picky with fit, so I definitely give this pack high marks for personal fit.

Comfort - The hip belts are one of my favorite things about the pack. They feel great, there's no chafing or rubbing, and it's super easy to dial in fit. They also pivot independently, which is helpful when bending over, or climbing up or around objects.

The shoulder straps are comfortable. I do wish however, that MHM used the same shoulder straps as the Divide 55 uses. Much more cushy than these. Still, the ones on this pack are comfortable and work plenty good.

Sternum strap works well. The pack is as adjustable as any other. The venting is adequate in all conditions that I've tested it in. Cold, mild, hot, humid, dry, etc.

Capacity - The advertised volume is accurate. While this may work for some as only a day pack, I tend to pack pretty lightweight when I do overnights, so I get a bit more use from this pack than someone else might. I love this pack so much, that I am upgrading my other gear to be lighter and lighter to be able to only use this pack for most of my travels.

I carry either a Nemo Meta 1p tent, or my Integral Designs Silwing tarp, and Sea To Summit bug net combination. I also carry a groundcloth, stakes, paracord, Sawyer mini water filter, Go Bag alcohol stove with windscreen, and denatured alcohol fuel bottle, pot, spork, knife, headlamp, lighter, lightweight towel, sleeping pad, sleeping bag, a few pairs of socks, rain kilt, camera, and a few other things. Like I said, it works for me.

Organization & Accessibility - The pack securely stows all my gear as needed. With the Snake zipper, I can access gear anywhere in my pack at anytime. It's great to be able to splay open the pack and see all the contents right in front of me, as opposed to digging down into the bag to find items. Also has the ability to tuck away excess straps hanging out. There are two waterproof pockets that work well for items that can't be wet. This is a great pack for those that are meticulous in organizing just like myself.

Ride - The load is evenly distributed at all times. Remains comfortable even if overstuffed a bit. Feels incredibly stable and has no noticeable sway. Hugs the body just right once it's dialed in. Feels the most secure of any pack I've used thus far.

Compression - Can carry a variety of different loads well and still feels comfy. It compresses well.

Ease of Use - Every part of this pack works exactly as I need it to. The biggest difference between this pack and others is the Snake zipper. Can't say enough good things about this feature.

Features - Snake zipper of course. Pivoting hip belt. Hydration compatible. Bonus rain cover in a discreet pocket in the bottom of the pack. All come together to work in sync.

Construction & Durability - Very well made. Incredibly durable with the materials used. I use this on just about every hike and it has held up flawlessly for around a year and a half now. Still looks almost new. No wear in any part of the pack, even in the mesh pockets. I expect this piece of gear to hold up for many trips to come.

Conditions - All over the Pacific NW. Oregon and Washington especially. Last trip, I took this pack up to the Enchantments in the Alpine Lakes Wilderness here in WA. Another favorite trail this pack travels to many times a year is, the Eagle Creek trail in the Columbia River Gorge in OR. Tested in sun, rain, snow, ice, you name it.

Overall, wonderful pack by a great company.